Answer: Macbeth's downfall is primarily caused by his desire to become a king at all costs.
Explanation:
Macbeth is Shakespeare's famous tragedy about a man who is informed by the witches that he shall become a king. Upon hearing this prophecy, Macbeth does everything he can to make it come true.
Although the supernatural plays an important role in Macbeth's downfall (the witches give him a prophecy that motivates him to take action), it could be argued that Macbeth's tragic flaw is his ultimate ambition.
In Act I, Scene III, both Banquo and Macbeth encounter the witches and hear similar prophecies. Banquo does not act on the information he gets, and his prophecies come true later in the play. Macbeth, on the other hand, desperately wants to become a king, and thus kills King Duncan and Banquo. This makes him consumed by guilt and prevents him from rational thinking. Despite all the action he takes, he does not maintain his position as a king for a long period of time.
